Love Story

The Beginning of Our Love Story

If you read our "About Us" page then you already know that Jared and I met in Ikea. I wouldn't say there was love at first sight, but there was definitely an attraction. Following our random meeting we spent the next few nights casually meeting up. Jared always tells me he knew it was different. I knew this too. I will forever remember riding home on the tube and getting a message from him saying: "I would really like to ask you on a date". After he said that I kinda took it as "I'm in"! Jared and I started officially dating on Valentines Day. He won me over with Mexican food and cheesy Valentines Day chocolates. From that day forward we were hooked! We make each other laugh. I laugh at his dad jokes, and he laughs at my clumsy awkward ways (I secretly love). We just seem to mesh. Neither one of us feels more comfortable with anyone else than we do with each other. Even with our imperfections we manage to even out our relationship.

The Engagement

I am HORRIBLE with secrets. Poor Jared, he wanted so much to make everything a surprise, but my family and I just don't operate on secrets! Jared did it proper, he asked my dad for my hand first. Five minutes later dad called me to inform me that I should expect him to pop the question soon. I was determined to have my say about the ring, I told all my girl friends EXACTLY what I wanted....he ended up taking me ring shopping. HA! Then he took the ring away.....mehhh. When he said a
few days later he wanted to take me out I knew what was coming, just not how. Jared is a bit of  a romantic, that is what I learned in his proposal. He took me to the spot we first kissed (more like the spot I jumped him!), then our favourite restaurant, then to where we met (I prayed silently he wouldn't propose in ikea). Each spot he would get down on his knee and say some sweet lines about why he could propose then and there but wasn't going to. I was beginning to think he would never ask me! When we got back to his house I went to his room, a few minutes later he came in with a blindfold, and led me outside onto the patio. Sadly I don't remember what he said, only that when I took off the blindfold he was on one knee surrounded by candles and I was happy! 

The Wedding

Wedding Part 1:  Deciding that we were going to be married in America took some thought. Jared really wanted his parents to be there, which is completely understandable. When push came to shove we both realized that America was by far the best choice. Not only would my entire family be able to attend, but the cost would be significantly cheaper. Mom was the angel through the entire process. She made it all happen. I was mostly worried about my dress, and in the end we had it made. Mom was a mess, so worried that it wouldn't fit, or that I would hate it. In the end I was so thrilled! The theme was based off Gatsby. I LOVE the 20's, and when my vintage ring was purchased from the antique shop in Angel, it was my inspiration. Our colours were Gold and Lavender. My Bridesmaids were beautiful, and the boys looked so dashing! 
The week leading up to the wedding was quite stressful. We had to get our marriage licences, buy food, set up the hall, create the centrepieces, and finish the dress. Jared and I had lots of shopping to do as well, since things are so much cheaper in America we brought extra luggage. I went through the Bountiful temple the day before we were to be married. If you aren't familiar with the LDS Church before one can be married for eternity we go through special sacred experiences in the temple. Jared had previously done this before his mission, Like many other women in the LDS church, my first opportunity was in preparation

for marriage. That was in itself a beautiful day, some of my amazing family and friends were there to support me, I have never felt more loved! The day before the wedding, after all the set up was complete, Jared met his mate in Provo, and I went out with my girls. They took me to The Cheesecake Factory in City Creek, my old work place. IT was lovely seeing all them there. April and Emma came from Boston and St. Louis for my day. I cant believe I am blessed with such good friends. The day in the temple was beautiful. Our sweet friends and family were there to support us, those that weren't there were there in spirit. Following the sealing we took pictures on Temple Square, where we were blessed with sunny warm weather. Our reception was that evening, the gathering was perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better turn out. We all danced the night away. The work that went into it was generous and appreciated. I could have lived that day over and over...Jared and I never felt such love from those that surround us!

Wedding Part 2:

 We couldn't forget about all those that we love in London. The day we shared in London was also quite nice, Jared and I put a lot of work into that day. I realised then how much help we had on the first reception. The reception was held in our ward building in South Kensington. Jared's family were all in attendance, and my lovely mother flew over from America for the special day. I was so happy to have my Grandparents and old family friends there as well. Somehow it made things very complete. The day after we shared a lovely lunch at my Omi and Opi's house/ There we were able to relax and enjoy each others company. At this point I think it was when Jared and I turned to each other and made a little sigh of relief that NOW we can finally start living that ever after they always speak about.


So here it is, a blog recording our lives together. There are sure to be ups and downs, but with Jared by my side, I'm sure eternity won't be long enough! :)